courtesy National Harbor
From a press release:
“When National Harbor opened 16 years ago, developer Milt Peterson was committed to making art accessible. He wanted the destination to have a collection that was engaging to visitors of all ages. Therefore, when the late founder and chairman of Peterson Companies, developer of National Harbor was alerted that J. Seward John’s “The Awakening” was placed up for sale, he seized the opportunity to purchase. The 5-piece, 72-foot cast aluminum sculpture depicts a distressed giant emerging from the earth and currently sits in the sand on the waterfront at National Harbor (153 National Plaza).
After being in Metro Washington D.C., Peterson wanted to keep the beloved piece local and purchased it for $740,000. In February 2008, months before National Harbor’s opening, “The Awakening” was moved from Hains Point to National Harbor.
A specially built beach was created along the Potomac River to allow visitors to interact with the art. He wanted the piece to be in the heart of National Harbor, where it would have the highest engagement. After years of being climbed on, photographed, and the summer sun, it is need of a shin replacement.
As the stewards of the beloved sculpture, National Harbor has committed $70,000 to repair the shin. “The Awakening is a signature piece of our outdoor art here at National Harbor that we want to make sure visitors can enjoy for years to come,” said Kent Digby, EVP Asset Management, Operations, and Marketing. “Many visitors come to National Harbor just to see this sculpture. Milt loved watching children engage with The Awakening.”
After 43 years, it’s understandable that “The Awakening” needs some love. National Harbor has committed to hiring The Seward Johnson Atelier, the late sculptor’s foundation, to commence the repairs. The section of the leg to be replaced is currently being cast and the restoration is expected to take place in June. The replacement process should take about a week to complete, during that time the statue will be closed to the public.
The National Harbor art collection consists of a number of sculptures commissioned from nationally and internationally known artists Albert Paley, John Lopez and local artist Cheryl Foster, Steven Weitzman and others. An interactive guide to the art collection is accessible by texting ACNH to 56512.”